119 Communications project manager jobs in Manchester

Active Communities Development Worker

Grade: NJC Point t23 - £34,434 FTE

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Days: Monday to Friday (core hours are worked between 8am – 6pm)

Contract: Fixed-term contract, initially 12 months (continuation subject to further funding)

Responsible to: Senior Strategic Lead

Place of work: Salford CVS’ offices in Eccles, Salford, M30 0FN and out in Salford’s communities

Salford CVS delivers a range of projects and services that build resilient communities and encourage local people to be active citizens.

You’ll work primarily across our volunteering and emergency response activity, including helping to develop and deliver Salford CVS’s own active communities volunteering programmes. This will vary throughout the year, but you can expect to spend roughly half your time on emergency response and half on volunteering - and in practice, the two often overlap.

Main purposes of the post

To engage with a wide range of partners and volunteers to build active, more connected and resilient communities within the city of Salford. To deliver multiple areas of work around civil contingencies, humanitarian response and emergency response in Salford – from coordinating clear plans and processes and training and supporting volunteers, to enabling VCSE organisations to engage with the work. To support the development of our volunteering and active communities work across multiple services, including the rewarding, people-facing work of coordinating volunteers for local events and celebrations.

The Benefits of Working for Salford CVS

• 28 days’ holiday - rising to 30 days (after five years), plus Bank Holidays (pro rata for part-time)

• Enhanced company sick and maternity pay, subject to terms and conditions of service

• Pension scheme - with 7% employer contribution (and 1% mandatory employee contribution)

• Cycle to Work scheme

• Membership of the Hospital Saturday Fund via an employer subsidised scheme (optional and non-contractual)

• RHS family membership (optional and non-contractual)

• Development opportunities - we support and encourage our staff to progress in their careers (including formal training)

• A supportive working culture - we respect and support one another to do the best we can

We are an accredited Living Wage Employer, Living Hours Employer and Living Wage Funder, ensuring not just our staff are paid the ‘real’ Living Wage but also that any projects we fund can do the same.

Closing Date: 12 noon, Friday 2nd October 2026

Interviews: Tuesday 13th October 2026, in person at Salford CVS’ offices

Role: Trust and Statutory Fundraising Manager

Salary: £40000 to £43000 per annum (DoE) + benefits

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Location: Cheadle Hulme, SK8 6RQ

Type: Permanent, Full Time - 37.5 hours per week

About Us

Originally founded in 1823, Seashell Trust is a nationally recognised and registered charity based in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport. The Trust comprises of the Royal School Manchester, the Royal College Manchester, 17 bespoke Residential Care Homes, Outreach Health and Family Services. We provide expert Residential care and Education for children and young people with severe, profound, and complex learning difficulties and disabilities, sensory impairments, communication disorders and autism. Our fantastic services are based all on one-site, which deepens our sense of community for our children and young people and the wider Seashell team

The Role

Were hiring for a Trust and Statutory Fundraising manager to join us at Seashell to lead on the trust and foundations fundraising strategy for the charity, driving increased income for capital redevelopment projects and day to day revenue fundraising. They will extend the portfolio of high profile, grant-making trusts and foundations that support the charity along with securing significant funds from statutory funders such as government, Lottery and Sports England.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on trust and statutory fundraising, developing and delivering the strategy for both capital and revenue fundraising to drive increased restricted and unrestricted income.
• Set trust and statutory income targets and oversee income forecasting for capital and revenue, keeping the Head of Fundraising abreast of performance against target.
• Lead on developing and overseeing due diligence procedures for trust, statutory and major donor prospects to ensure staff follow due process.
• Share project information, budgets and statistics gathered for appeals with the wider fundraising and marketing team.
• Work with the Data Officer to ensure the database is maintained with accurate and consistent donor and prospect information in line with GDPR and related legislation

Requirements

• Extensive experience in a trust fundraising role in the charity sector and the process behind it.
• A demonstrable track record of income generation through personally securing six and seven figure gifts from grant-making trusts, foundations and statutory sources
• Experience of leading and delivering effective and practical fundraising strategies to include target setting, forecasting and income reporting
• An ability to think and act strategically to move forward complex donor relationships, understanding their needs and what motivates them
• Experience of working with and influencing senior leaders and peers within an organisation

Benefits

• Detailed 2-week induction programme for all new employees
• Access to our on-site inclusive gym, fitness classes and swimming pool
• Blue light discount scheme
• Benenden Health Care Membership – access to 24/7 GP, physiotherapy, medical treatments, mental health support including counselling service, cancer support, care planning and social care advice
• Access to a wide range of vocational programmes to support you in your job role
• Life Assurance (3x Annual base salary) subject to terms and conditions
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free on-site parking
• Paid Enhanced DBS

About Recruitment at Seashell

Our vision is for the children and young people in our care to be safe, happy and to achieve the best possible outcomes so that they are valued and valuable members of their communities.

Our Core Values are represented within the three ‘I’s’ – Integrity, Innovation, and Involvement. We value diversity and are committed to equal opportunities.

Disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria on the person specification will be guaranteed an interview. We are an inclusive employer and welcome all applications.

This charity is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We provide an environment that is safeguarded and as part of our safer recruitment policy, the successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and full references will be taken.

Fundraising Events & Community Manager
Salary:£40,000 pro rata
Contract:6 Month Fixed Term Contract
Hours:35 hours per week
Location:Flexible UK remote/hybrid working, with occasional travel to our Highgate office and events

Help shape the future of community fundraising at Ataxia UK.

Ataxia UK is the leading charity supporting people affected by ataxia, a group of rare neurological conditions. We fund life-changing research, provide vital support services and build a strong community for people and families affected by the condition.

We are seeking an experienced Fundraising Events & Community Manager to join us on a six-month fixed-term contract. This is an exciting opportunity to lead an established fundraising programme, manage a dedicated team member and build on the success of a highly engaged supporter community.

The role
Reporting to the Director of Fundraising & Communications, you will lead the delivery and development of our events and community fundraising programme, helping to maximise supporter engagement and income growth.

You will:

• Lead and develop Ataxia UK's community and events fundraising activities
• Build strong relationships with supporters, volunteers, community groups and fundraising participants
• Deliver outstanding supporter stewardship and supporter experience
• Identify opportunities to grow income and increase engagement
• Monitor performance against agreed targets and objectives
• Manage and develop the Events & Community Fundraising Officer through coaching, mentoring and support
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across fundraising, communications, finance, research and support services

About you
We're looking for an experienced fundraiser who enjoys building relationships and motivating supporters to achieve their fundraising goals.
You will bring:

• Significant experience in community fundraising, events fundraising or supporter-led fundraising
• Strong relationship management and stewardship skills
• Experience of line management, coaching or mentoring
• Experience of delivering fundraising activity against income targets
• Strong project management and organisational skills
• Confidence using fundraising databases and reporting on performance
• A collaborative approach and the ability to work effectively within a supportive team environment

Why join Ataxia UK?

This role offers a rare opportunity to step into a well-established programme with the freedom to make your mark. You'll be joining a collaborative, friendly and highly committed team where ideas are welcomed and success is shared.

We offer flexible ways of working and are open to applications from candidates across the UK. Whether you're looking for your next interim challenge or a fixed-term opportunity with immediate impact, you'll find a supportive environment and the chance to contribute to a charity that is making a real difference.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave pro rata, increasing with service
• Additional birthday leave
• 5% employer pension contribution
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Season ticket loan
• Childcare vouchers
• Flexible working
• Time off in lieu for approved evening and weekend work

If you're passionate about community fundraising and want to help a growing charity continue its success while supporting people affected by ataxia, we'd love to hear from you.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

The young people, children and families that we support are at the heart of everything we do at Mermaids.  The work that we do has significantly expanded and we now need a highly effective and experienced Support Line Manager to join the organisation. The role is a core part of the our management team and will lead and manage our support line services.

Mermaids is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from those with lived experiences (directly or indirectly) and/or close ties to the LGBTQ+ community. We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds and experiences to join us and shape what we do. We are particularly keen to receive applications from BPOC (black and people of colour) and/or disabled and trans candidates.

Summary of Main Duties and Objectives of the Job:

· Assist in managing crisis response and advocacy teams.

· Provide case oversight and ensure adherence to advocacy standards.

· Support safeguarding and risk management processes.

· Monitor service performance and prepare reports.

· Deputise for the Group Manager when required.

Support the Group Manager to :

· Ensure services meet contractual, legal, and quality standards, including safeguarding, GDPR, and clinical governance.

· Monitor and evaluate service performance, using data and feedback to inform improvements.

· Ensure services are delivered within budget and collaborate with the Finance Manager on financial planning and reporting.

· Contribute to the strategic development of Advocacy & Crisis Prevention services, identifying opportunities for innovation and growth.

· Support tendering and funding applications, working with colleagues to develop compelling proposals.

· Build and maintain relationships with commissioners, funders, and community partners.

· Support the professional development of staff and volunteers through supervision, appraisal, and training.

· Work with HR and senior colleagues to identify training needs and promote wellbeing in the workplace.

· Lead safeguarding practice within the group, ensuring robust policies and procedures are in place.

• Identify and manage risks, reporting to senior leadership as required.
• Ensure service users are meaningfully involved in the design and delivery of services.
• Promote services through outreach, networking, and partnership working to reach underserved communities.
• Prepare reports for internal and external stakeholders, including the Board of Trustees.
• Represent Rochdale and District Mind at external meetings, forums, and events.

 

General principles for all Mind staff:

1. To promote the empowerment of people who experience mental health and emotional wellbeing issues and to help them speak out.

2. To support the active participation of mental health and emotional wellbeing service users in the services they receive.

3. To practice anti-discriminatory behaviour and to adhere to Rochdale and District Mind’s objectives and policies in the delivery of all its services.

These responsibilities are subject to annual review and may need to be adjusted in line with service developments.

Person Specification

Experience

· Experience in crisis intervention or advocacy services.

· Supervisory experience.

Skills & Abilities-

· Strong leadership and team management skills.

· Strong organisational and interpersonal skills.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

· Ability to work strategically and operationally.

· Skilled in safeguarding and risk management

· Ability to design and implement outreach strategies

Knowledge

· Knowledge of relevant legislation (Mental Health Act, Care Act).

· Understanding of mental health and wellbeing issues.

· Knowledge of clinical governance and therapeutic frameworks.

· Awareness of equality, diversity, and inclusion in service delivery.

· Familiarity with GDPR and other compliance requirements.

Values & Approach

· Commitment to Rochdale and District Mind’s values.

· Person-centred and trauma-informed approach.

· Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and service user empowerment.

Qualifications-

· Relevant qualification in advocacy , psychotherapy, psychology, social work, or related field (or equivalent experience).

Social entrepreneurs scaling their ventures face a specific set of challenges including income generation, hiring, governance, hard calls about growth and risk, all alongside scaling their social impact. We’re recruiting learning and enterprise development managers who’ve lived that journey themselves, to bring first-hand credibility and challenge directly to the entrepreneurs on our scale-up and scale-up-plus programmes.

You’ll hold ownership of SSE’s scale-up approach, shaping our learning content on strategy, profitability and the systems that hold a growing venture together – grounded in what actually works, not just what’s written down. Facilitation sits at the heart of this role. You’ll design and deliver learning programmes and group sessions for cohorts of entrepreneurs as well as leading 1-2-1 coaching and diagnostics, and delivering Action Learning Sets, SSE’s long-standing peer-coaching method (training provided).

We’re looking for people who’ve founded or led a VCSE with an annual turnover of £100,000 or more and held financial accountability such as statutory reporting to the Charity Commission and, where relevant, Companies House, reporting to a board or funders, and making hard calls about growth, income and risk.

You’ll succeed in this role if you believe in what social entrepreneurship can achieve and want to turn your experience into supporting social ventures to scale and create more impact in their communities and beyond

About Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis

Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis (APF) is the UK’s leading patient charity dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by pulmonary fibrosis. Our mission is underpinned by values of compassionate, bold, expert and collaborative. We believe in creating a supportive environment in which both our employees and beneficiaries can thrive.

Founded in 2013 by people affected by PF and clinicians, APF has grown into a respected national charity rooted in community and evidence. We provide trusted information and support, help a growing network of support groups, campaign to improve access to care and invest in research to bring hope of new treatments. APF strives to be an organisation of equity and inclusion, welcoming people from all backgrounds – our team and volunteers aim to reflect the diverse communities we serve.

We have just launched an ambitious five-year strategy (2025–2030), co-created with the PF community, which focuses on expanding support, transforming care, and accelerating research. This strategy marks a step change with a clearer focus, stronger delivery model and greater ambition to ensure no one faces pulmonary fibrosis alone.

Role Purpose

We are looking for a Senior Information and Education Manager to lead our patient information and education work, ensuring people affected by pulmonary fibrosis can access clear, accurate, trusted and accessible information when they need it most.

This is a strategic and hands-on role. You will shape APF’s information and education offer across digital, print and live formats, develop and improve patient information, lead a review of our website content, and ensure our resources remain evidence-based, accessible and shaped by lived experience.

You will also oversee our education programme and line manage our Education and Events Co-ordinator, helping us deliver high-quality events and education that respond to the needs of people affected by pulmonary fibrosis.

We are looking for someone with strong experience in health information, patient education or health content. You will be an excellent writer and editor, able to make complex information clear and accessible, with the strategic thinking and project management skills to turn insight and evidence into practical improvements.

This is an opportunity to play a leading role in ensuring people affected by pulmonary fibrosis have the information, education and support they need throughout their journey.

To apply, please submit a CV and a covering letter of no more than two pages outlining your suitability for the role and how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the job description.

Interviews will be held on a rolling basis, so we encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.

Summary for full details and how to apply please read the Recruitment Pack on our website link has been provided

1. Working closely with the Head of Creative Engagement to deliver HOME’s year-round Creative Engagement offer for young people, schools and communities.

2. Lead multiple Creative Engagement visual art projects, facilitating HOME Young Artists Studio, producing Horizons Festival, curating HOME’s Inspire Gallery and wider Creative Engagement Programme.

3. Be part of working groups and collaborate with colleagues to ensure that the engagement programme links directly to and is part of HOME’s overall programme – as directed by the Head of Creative Engagement or CEO.

4. Embed best practice in relation to working with young people, schools and communities. Prioritise safeguarding and shape an accessible and inclusive programme of work.

5. Recruit, support, contract, liaise and supervise freelance artists and other creative practitioners engaged in the delivery of projects.

6. Uphold set financial processes and effectively manage project budgets regularly reporting to the Head of Creative Engagement.

7. Implement effective project management, with a high level of project administration, manage time and resources and implement effective administration processes in order to produce high-quality and ensure set outcomes and outputs are delivered in a timely manner. 

8. Develop opportunities and shape pathways to careers for young people and communities.

9. Maintain a working knowledge of and participate in regional and national engagement, creative health and visual art networks, to keep up to speed with developments within the sector.

10.  Work with the Marketing and Communications team to ensure work is effectively promoted. Regularly writing copy and providing content for social media and updating the website in order to raise the profile of HOME’s Creative Engagement work at a local and national level.

11. Work with HOME’s Development Team to identify and support fundraising and reporting when needed.

12. Develop and implement an effective monitoring and evaluation strategy for the programme and to provide written reports when required.

Role Overview

The Talent Set are delighted to partner with our client on a fantastic Individual Giving Campaign Manager role. This position involves leading donor engagement campaigns across multiple channels, supporting fundraising objectives, and delivering impactful community outreach to strengthen supporter relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, execute, and optimise multi-channel fundraising campaigns to increase donor retention and acquisition.
• Manage relationships with external marketing agencies and vendors to ensure campaign delivery aligns with organisational goals.
• Analyse campaign performance, interpret data insights, and implement test-and-learn strategies for continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with internal teams to develop compelling messaging and targeted marketing approaches.
• Oversee budget management and ensure activities are delivered within financial parameters.
• Support the development of donor engagement strategies that promote long-term supporter loyalty.
• Maintain adherence to organisational policies and best practices in fundraising activities.
• Contribute to planning and reporting activities related to campaign outcomes and fundraising targets.

Person Specification

• Proven experience in fundraising, donor engagement, or campaign management within the charity sector.
• Strong understanding of multi-channel marketing, including digital, direct mail, and telemarketing.
• Ability to analyse data, measure campaign effectiveness, and adapt strategies accordingly.
• Excellent organisational skills, with experience managing external agencies and vendors.
• Effective communicator with a collaborative approach to working across teams.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and deliver projects on time and within scope.
• Knowledge of supporter relationship management and retention strategies.
• A proactive and adaptable attitude, with a focus on achieving measurable results.

What’s on Offer

Salary: £37,000 - £44,000

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role by clicking the 'apply now' button (please do not apply via email). We aim to get back to all successful candidates within 48 working hours.

Commitment to Diversity

The Talent Set are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, or age. We actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds and are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair recruitment process.

Contract Type: Fixed Term until 31st March 2030

Location: Any UK Trust office - 40-60% of the week spent in the office and an expectation to travel when required

Interviews: 24/09 and 25/09 over MS Teams

We are looking for an ambitious and commercially minded Senior Manager to lead the launch and delivery of a flagship corporate volunteering and fundraising campaign for The King’s Trust.

This fully funded role runs until March 2030 and offers the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to a major employability programme supporting young people across the UK.

This high-profile role sits at the heart of our corporate partnerships’ strategy, driving both employee engagement and income growth across a portfolio of valued partners. The income generated through this campaign will help fund a bold new initiative at The King’s Trust; one that will inspire businesses, communities, and volunteers to come together and support young people to thrive. You will work closely with corporate stakeholders to build strong relationships, unlock opportunities, and create compelling campaigns that inspire employees to take action and maximise impact.

Working alongside the Head of Corporate Volunteering, you will lead planning and execution, bringing together internal teams, corporate partners, and external stakeholders to deliver seamless, engaging experiences. From developing innovative engagement strategies and managing communications, to overseeing events, budgets, and performance reporting, you will ensure every aspect of the campaign delivers against commercial objectives, generates income, and supports organisational goals.

A key part of the role will be identifying and pitching new ideas, initiatives and engagement opportunities to corporate partners, helping them deepen their involvement and achieve their own social impact ambitions. You'll work closely with the Corporate Partnerships team, providing creative solutions, campaign expertise and strategic support to help unlock new fundraising, volunteering and partnership growth opportunities across their portfolios.

This is a fast-paced, highly collaborative role for someone who combines strong commercial acumen with exceptional relationship-building skills. You'll be comfortable influencing senior stakeholders, spotting opportunities for growth, developing compelling propositions, and bringing diverse teams together to deliver ambitious targets. If you're energised by creating meaningful partnerships, driving measurable results, and delivering campaigns that make a lasting difference, we'd love to hear from you.

What happens next?  

Please submit a CV, and Cover Letter that includes your experience, transferrable skills and motivation to work for The King's Trust! The Team will be in touch about the next steps shortly after the closing date. 

Why do we need Senior Managers of Employee Engagement? 

Last year, we helped more than 40,000 Young People, with three in four young people on our programmes moving into a positive outcome in work, education or training.The young people we help face a range of challenges, such as unemployment, mental health issues or some who have been in trouble with the law. We believe all young people should have the chance to succeed, and that young people are the key to a positive and prosperous future for all of us. We want to continue having a positive impact on young people’s lives, and we couldn’t do this without the important work of the Senior Managers! 

Perks for working at The Trust! 

• Great holiday package! 30 days annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays. Office closure on the days between Christmas and New Year 
• Flexible working! Where operationally possible, our roles require a combination of office days and working from home (please speak to the hiring manager about this particular role)
• You can volunteer for and/or attend events – The King's Trust Awards, Pride, active events, etc. 
• In-house learning platform! Develop your skills for your career and your role 
• Benefits platform! Everything from health and financial well-being support to discounts on your favourite restaurants, shops and cinemas. 
• Personal development opportunities through our Networks – KT CAN (Cultural Awareness Network), KT GEN (Gender Equality Network), KT DAWN (Disability & Wellbeing Network), and PULSE (LGBTQIA+ Network). 
• Fantastic Family leave! Receive 13 weeks of full pay and 13 weeks of half pay for maternity and adoption leave. Receive 8 weeks of full pay for paternity leave. 
• Interest-free season ticket loans 
• The Trust will contribute 5% of your salary to the Trust Pension Scheme 
• Generous life assurance cover (4 x annual salary) 

Just Finance Foundation (JFF) is looking for an experienced Governance and Operations Manager to join us at an important point in our development.

We are a national charity working to change how children grow up with money. Every day, children are learning about money - through what they see, hear, and experience - but not all of it builds confidence or choice. By supporting parents, carers, and educators to teach money in ways that are simple, practical, and engaging, we make financial learning part of everyday life. This means children can grow up confident in making choices and equipped with skills that support their wellbeing now and into the future.

JFF currently operates within the Church Urban Fund (CUF) group, which has supported our development and provides a number of shared services. We are now preparing to become an independent charity and this new role will play a central part in making that transition work.

Working closely with our Director and trustees, you will help coordinate the move to independence while building the governance, systems and ways of working we need as a small, well-run charity.

This is a broad, hands-on role for someone who enjoys making organisations work better. You might be keeping a complex transition plan moving, supporting effective Board governance, improving an operational process, working through an issue with a supplier or adviser, or helping the Director make sense of a complex organisational question.

You won’t need to be an expert in everything. What matters is that you have strong operational judgement, can bring clarity to complexity, know when to involve specialist expertise, and are comfortable taking responsibility for getting things done.

We are particularly interested in people with significant experience in governance, operations or organisational management who can work confidently with senior leaders, trustees, advisers and external partners. Experience in a charity or purpose-led organisation, or of organisational change or separation, would be an advantage.

For full details of the role, responsibilities and person specification, please read the accompanying Job Description.

The role is home-based for three days per week, with occasional travel and approximately six evening Board meetings each year.

How to apply

Please submit a CV and supporting statement explaining how your experience meets the role requirements to email address provided by 11.59 on 13th September 2026. If your experience covers most, rather than every, point in the person specification, we still encourage you to apply.

JFF is an inclusive organisation and we welcome all applications. We want our workforce to be truly representative of the communities we serve. Diversity is an asset to our organisation and helps us create an inclusive, welcoming environment for all.

We are looking for experienced social workers to help take the Weekenders programme into its next chapter. You will join a small, ambitious charity and play a central role in growing a relational, child-focused programme across England.

THE OPPORTUNITY 

• Salary: starting from £40,000, subject to experience

• Hours: full time, 37.5 hours per week

• Location: home-based within England, with regular team co-working and travel

• Contracts: one permanent post and two 18-month fixed-term posts

• Flexibility: occasional evening or weekend delivery, usually around once per month

• Travel: across England, including occasional overnight stays; reasonable expenses are covered

ABOUT NOW FOSTER

Now Foster brings together social work, service design, lived experience and innovation to transform fostering in England. Our vision is to bring many more wonderful people into fostering so that more children and young people can experience stable, meaningful relationships with caring adults.

We are a small team with big ambitions. We value creativity, collaboration, learning and continuous improvement, and we work with partners who share our determination to do better for children and families.

ABOUT WEEKENDERS 

Weekenders is our flagship programme. We recruit and support weekend foster carers – known as Weekenders – who build regular, long-term relationships with children and young people supported by local authorities. It is about showing up, making a difference and becoming an adult a young person can count on.

The programme is entering an exciting period of growth. We are expanding our partnerships with Regional Care Cooperatives, Fostering Hubs and local authorities across England, currently including London, the South West, North West and North East.

THE ROLE – Lead delivery, develop people and stay close to practice

As a Weekenders Programme Manager, you will turn our ambition into consistently excellent delivery. You will lead the day-to-day support of applicants across an agreed portfolio of areas, making sure prospective Weekenders receive a warm, responsive and motivational experience and that our partners can rely on us to deliver what we have agreed.

This is a people-management and delivery role with a strong connection to practice. You will line-manage Journey Guides, manage a network of independent social workers (ISWs), lead our prep group training and undertake some intro chats yourself.

The role does not carry a statutory caseload. It does carry real responsibility for safeguarding, practice quality, operational oversight and relationships across a growing, geographically distributed programme.

Delivery Leadership: Lead programme delivery

• Take day-to-day responsibility for Weekenders delivery across an agreed portfolio of Fostering Hubs and local authority partners.

• Turn partnership agreements and local processes into clear applicant journeys, with roles, handovers and timescales understood by everyone involved.

• Plan capacity across Journey Guides, ISWs, prep group training and your own direct work so that delivery keeps pace with demand.

• Monitor applicant progress, identify delays or risks early and work with colleagues and partners to find practical solutions.

• Maintain a consistent Now Foster experience across regions while adapting thoughtfully to local contexts.

People Management: Manage and develop Journey Guides

• Provide reflective one-to-one and group supervision, clear objectives and timely feedback.

• Allocate work fairly, monitor workloads and create the structure needed for responsive applicant support.

• Coach Journey Guides in relationship-based, strengths-based and motivational conversations, using observation, role play and practice review where helpful.

• Support sound judgement, safe practice and professional boundaries, addressing performance or wellbeing concerns early and constructively.

• Build a connected team culture in which people share learning, ask for help and take ownership.

Practice Oversight: Manage ISWs and assure practice quality

• Build and maintain a reliable pool of qualified, registered ISWs to undertake initial home visits and teach on prep group training days.

• Coordinate ISW recruitment, onboarding, availability, allocation and briefing in line with our safer recruitment and practice arrangements.

• Set clear expectations for the quality, timeliness and tone of home visits, written outputs, training and feedback.

• Review quality, provide constructive feedback and address concerns promptly, while forecasting capacity and arranging cover.

Training: Plan, staff and lead prep group training

• Own the planning and delivery of prep group training across programme areas, including schedules, venues or online delivery, materials, communications and staffing.

• Facilitate and teach on prep groups, modelling inclusive, relational and reflective practice.

• Brief and support ISW co-facilitators so sessions are coherent, well-paced and grounded in the realities of fostering.

• Make sure applicants can reflect meaningfully on children's needs, safer caring, trauma-informed care, cultural matching and working with fostering services.

• Ensure observations and training feedback are recorded sensitively and on time, and use feedback to strengthen future delivery.

Relationships: Stay close to applicants and partners

• Undertake some intro chats, particularly where additional experience, judgement or continuity is needed.

• Step into complex applicant situations or difficult conversations without taking over work appropriately held by Journey Guides.

• Develop trusted operational relationships with Fostering Hubs, Regional Care Cooperatives, local authority fostering teams and other partners.

• Work through differences or blockages constructively, combining persistence with curiosity about other people's pressures and perspectives.

Programme Addurance: Safeguarding, quality and improvement

• Promote a strong safeguarding culture and ensure concerns are recognised, recorded and escalated appropriately.

• Maintain accurate, timely records and use pipeline data, feedback and practice observations to understand performance and improve delivery.

• Contribute to the development of tools, guidance, communications and digital workflows as Weekenders grows.

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR – Experience, judgement and a strongly relational approach

Essential

You will need a recognised social work qualification and current registration with Social Work England. Beyond that, we are looking for someone who can combine strong practice judgement with people leadership and operational oversight.

You will thrive in this role if you have

• People-management experience – line-managing, supervising or developing staff, including giving feedback and supporting performance and wellbeing.

• Operational leadership – experience leading a service, programme or complex workflow with multiple people, deadlines and handovers.

• Children's services experience – in fostering, children's social care or a closely related setting, with a sound understanding of safeguarding and professional accountability.

• Training confidence – experience planning and delivering engaging adult learning, workshops or group training.

• Partnership skills – experience building productive relationships across organisational boundaries and working through operational challenges.

• A relational approach – able to hold warm, purposeful and appropriately challenging conversations with people from a wide range of backgrounds.

• Strong organisation and judgement – able to prioritise, delegate, manage dependencies and recognise what needs closer oversight or escalation.

• Digital and data confidence – comfortable using CRM and workflow systems, interpreting delivery information and turning insight into action.

The way you work matters

• Children first – you keep children's needs, relationships and long-term outcomes at the centre of decisions.

• Warm and reflective – you build genuine relationships, remain curious about your own impact and welcome feedback.

• Courageous and accountable – you name concerns, make decisions, follow through and own mistakes.

• Collaborative – you share learning generously while maintaining clear accountability.

• Adaptable – you are comfortable in a small, ambitious organisation where roles and systems continue to evolve.

Bonus points for

• Lived experience of the care system.

• Training or experience in motivational interviewing, systemic practice, coaching or another relational approach.

• Experience of foster carer recruitment, initial visits, assessment, prep groups, panel or post-approval support.

• Experience commissioning, coordinating or quality-assuring ISWs, associates or other independent practitioners.

• A practice educator, adult-teaching or training qualification, or substantial equivalent experience.

• Experience scaling a service across regions or working with a dispersed team and multiple delivery partners.

• Project, budget, contract, risk or resource-management experience.

• Experience of co-production, service design or continuous improvement.

WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU

Joining Now Foster means being part of something different. We are small, ambitious and innovative, and you will have genuine influence over how Weekenders grows. You will stay close to practice and impact without carrying a statutory caseload.

You will join a supportive, collaborative team that cares about doing excellent work in a sustainable and humane way. We work a 37.5-hour week and trust people to manage their time with balance. The programme sometimes requires evening work, weekend training days or travel, and we flex working time around those commitments.

• Salary from £40,000.

• 28 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.

• Home-based working with regular co-working and team days.

• Travel and reasonable work expenses covered in line with Now Foster policy.

• The tools and technology you need to work effectively.

• Workplace pension scheme

• The opportunity to help build a bold, lasting and more relational approach to fostering.
   

We know strong candidates do not always meet every desirable criterion. If the purpose of the role excites you and your experience gives you a strong foundation for the essentials, we encourage you to apply.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS – Key dates and how to apply

• Applications close – Sunday 20 September 2026 at 23:30
• First-round interviews – Online planned for Monday 28 and Tuesday 29 September 2026
• Role play – For candidates progressing to the second round, before the second interview. 30 mins, completed online with one of our Weekenders.
• Second-round interviews– In person planned for Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 October 2026 (reasonable travel expenses covered)

Early application is encouraged. We may close the advert before 20 September if we receive a sufficient number of strong applications.

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply through the Charity Jobs listing by the closing date. Candidates invited to interview will receive further information about the format and preparation in advance.

You must have the right to work in the UK. Appointment is subject to current registration with Social Work England, a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check and our other safer recruitment requirements.

We recognise that candidates may use generative AI tools to support their application. This is acceptable, but your application must remain an authentic reflection of your own experience and motivation. Please tell us if and how you used AI as part of preparing it.

As a small charity unfortunately we do not have capacity to respond to unsuccessful candidates or offer feedback at the application stage. Please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion if you do not hear from us before the interview dates.

OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUALITY 

Now Foster is committed to being an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences. Recruitment decisions are made using fair, objective and transparent criteria, and we will make reasonable adjustments so the process is accessible.

If you want to help grow a pioneering programme, develop a thoughtful team and create more lasting relationships for children and young people, we would love to hear from you.

The role

Lead the growth and delivery of Cruse's External Training & Consultancy programme, combining business development, customer relationship management, and delivery oversight to make Cruse the leading provider of bereavement training in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

You will be responsible for managing our external training programme. The programme has been delivering high-quality grief and bereavement training to over 370 external organisations and thousands of individuals for the past ten years. This role will be responsible for sourcing, planning and managing customer engagements, and ensuring Cruse is the leading training provider for loss and bereavement in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

You will be responsible for developing a sales and marketing strategy, targeting relevant organisations and selling our training products. You will be overseeing the organisation of training sessions and then handing over to one of our trainers to deliver the sessions, providing support where needed, monitoring and acting on feedback, and always ensuring a consistently high standard of customer service.

How to apply

Your application must consist of a CV and covering letter, which outlines your suitability for the role with reference to the Job Description and Person Specification and should be no longer than two pages.  Please note that if your application does not include both a CV and covering letter, it may not be considered.

The closing date for applications is 16 September 2026 with interview taking place week commencing the 28th September 2026. We reserve the right to close the advert early as suitable candidates apply.

Please be advised that if you do not hear from us by 28 September 2026, unfortunately on this occasion you have not been shortlisted.

Cruse welcomes and encourages applications from all protected groups as defined by the Equality Act 2010. Appointment will be made on merit.

Criminal Record Checks

All staff are required to complete a Criminal Record check. Staff working directly with clients will be required to complete an enhanced check. We comply with the relevant codes of practice and they can be viewed online: 

· Applicants in England and Wales: DBS Code of Practice

· Applicants in Northern Ireland: AccessNI Code of Practice

Previous convictions will not prevent full consideration of your application to work with Cruse. Our Recruitment of Ex-offenders' Policy & Handling Criminal Record Check Data Policy are available on request by email.

We comply with all relevant data protection legislation and process your data fairly.   

Job Title: Hertfordshire Project Assistant

Salary:  £27,980 (London Fringe weighting)

Position Type: Full time/Fixed term (until December 2028)

Reports to: Scaling Manager

Based at:  Remote, with travel to schools in Hertfordshire

Working Hours:                  5 days a week, 9am-5pm (flexible)

Pension: School Food Matters matches pension contributions at 7% of pensionable earnings

Holiday: 31 days including bank holidays that fall on working days. Holidays must be taken during the school holidays

This role requires occasional work outside of core hours (for example, if visiting a school breakfast club). It also requires travel to schools across Hertfordshire, so access to a car would be desirable. Training for delivery of the programme will be provided online and in person, and you will be expected to travel outside of Hertfordshire for some of these sessions.

Background to School Food Matters

At School Food Matters we believe that school food can unlock a happier, healthier, more sustainable future for every child. We want a school food system that delivers for all children, so they can enjoy nutritious, delicious and sustainable school food and leave school with an informed and positive relationship with food. To achieve this, we campaign for a better school food system, bringing the voices of children, parents, and teachers to government policy, and deliver fully funded food education programmes in schools across the country.

Background to Nourish

Our Nourish programme supports schools to create a food environment that puts children and young people's nutrition first. The evidence-based, multi-component programme helps schools to develop action plans and policies to cover the food served across the whole school day. Nourish uses a collaborative whole school approach to food involving everyone across the school community to create lasting positive change.

Job purpose

· To support two Project Officers with the delivery of Nourish in 30 schools in Hertfordshire (primary, secondary and SEND settings) over 2 years

Key tasks include

· Recruit schools to take part in Nourish

· Shadow and support project team to deliver in person food audits in schools

· Build relationships and work closely with teachers, teaching assistants, cooks, kitchen teams and senior leaders in schools in Hertfordshire to improve the food they offer their students

· Provide practical support to the project team with setting up workshops including paperwork and food shopping

· Provide admin support to the project team

· Tailor Nourish resources for Hertfordshire schools where required

· Collect data and maintain accurate records relating to the project

· Gather content for our comms team, website and social media platforms

· Keep project team fully updated on progress

· Keep up to date with safeguarding requirements and reporting procedures

· Maintaining the ethos of the charity and positively promoting our work at all times

· You will also be expected to undertake any other tasks relevant to the affairs of SFM that may arise from time to time. Therefore, being flexible and approaching the job with an open and positive mindset is essential.

Person Specification

Essential

· Excellent administrative and organisational skills with great attention to detail

· Excellent IT skills including excel, word and email

· Ability to work in a team, and seek help when needed

· Comfortable engaging with variety of audiences (students, school staff and parents), incl. writing and responding to email, conducting telephone, virtual and face to face meetings, and running workshops

· Self-motivated and optimistic with a can-do attitude

Desirable

· Experience of working for a charity or not for profit organisation

· Experience of working in schools

· An interest in food education and children’s health

· Access to a car